EVERSMANN (goes to the door, halts again, looks
at the PRINCE impudently).

PRINCE.

Why are you looking at me, sirrah? I am the Prince
Hereditary of
Baireuth.

EVERSMANN (is quite indifferent, comes down a few
steps, bows very slightly).

His Majesty is coming in from the parade, but does
not grant audiences in this room.

PRINCE.

I thank you for the information, my good man.

EVERSMANN.

Don’t mention it, pray.

PRINCE.

And who are you?

EVERSMANN. I? [There is along pause.]

I am Eversmann. [He goes out into the QUEEN’s
room.]

PRINCE.

Eversmann? The Minister of Finance or the Head
Steward, I wonder? He betrays parsimony in every
shred of his garments. [Drums and the sound of
presented arms is heard backof the rear entrance.]
The King is coming. The King? Why should
I feel so timid, so oppressed, all of a sudden?
Does my courage fail me because I am about to confront
this curiosity of his century? I’d rather
observe him from the side at first.

[He draws back and stands close by the door to
the left.]

SCENE VII

A loud knocking, as with a cane, is heard at the
centre door.

PRINCE.

Come in.

KING (outside).

Eversmann!

PRINCE.

Now, what’s that?

KING (still without, beats the door loudly with
his cane).

Eversmann!

PRINCE.

Surely this castle is haunted!

[He slips into the door at the right.]

KING (knocking again, still outside).

Eversmann! Doesn’t the fellow hear?

EVERSMANN (coming in hurriedly).

The door is open, Your Majesty. [Goes to centre
door, opens it.]

PRINCE (looking in at his door).

Your Majesty? Is that the King?

KING (in corridor but not yet visible).

Eversmann, have you forgotten that this is the day
for revising the books?

EVERSMANN.

No, indeed, Your Majesty. I was occupied in balancing
the books of Her
Majesty the Queen.

QUEEN (comes out from her door, listens timidly).

Was that the King’s voice?

KING (outside).

Eversmann, tell the castellan that eleven o’clock
is closing hour for my wife’s apartment, and
that, if I see a light again in her rooms until after
midnight, I will come over myself at the stroke of
twelve to search into every corner and to discover
what political plot is brewing there. You’d
better tell my wife yourself, sirrah—­so
that she may obey orders.